Halo 2 certainly has alot to live up to after the first. Possibly the single most essential game for any console, it defined the whole early generation of games for the xbox. Console shooters were taken to a new level with goldeneye, but Halo was really the first time any console shooter could rival the PC in terms of design, storyline, set pieces, graphics and most importantly control. But does Halo 2 live upto the hype?
If you decide to jump right in and engage in the single player campaign, you'll find a pretty gripping story, new weapons, improved graphics, the new dual-wield system (ditching the ability to throw grenades in favour of holding 2 single handed weapons), vehicle jacking, destructible vehicles (no more invincible warthogs) and a wealth of other new features. The single player campaign is gripping and an awesome ride, but I felt bungie cut it about a level too short. Once you finish it (or if you already have) you'll understand my point of view, but at least it leaves it open for a sequel. The highlight has gotta be fighting on earth, as it becomes all the more thrilling when you're fighting in urban environments with alien craft and soldiers streaming overhead and along the ground, destroying cars and being fired upon by mounted guns.
Yes, single player is fun, but multiplayer is really where Halo 2 shines. Due to the lack of bots (still...), you'll need to enlist the help of friends or Xbox live. Bungie have created such an expansive and varied multiplayer that if you have 3 or more friends (or just Xbox live), you could play for days and not get bored. First to the split screen/system link. System link allows for upto 4 Xboxes to be connected for 16 player action. There are a ton of modes, such as slayer (deathmatch), oddball (hold the ball for as long as you can), capture the flag and many many more (or you can just make your own...). All the weapons and vehicles from single player can be used and you can make your own character, choosing your clan sign, colour and race (master cheif or covenant elite). There's also a very well done co-operative mode, which makes the single player campaign worth coming back to.
Online is where the game shines even more though, as Bungie (at their website) have created such an incredible stat tracking system you'll never cease to be amazed. Every battle you fight is tracked, with kills, a layout of where points where scored, medals awarded and much more. This all goes onto your win/losses tally which in turn gives you a place on the ladder. Online is also incredibly fun, with plenty of ladder modes and a huge player base.
Graphically and aurally, the game is atmospheric and high quality throughout. The guns sound nice and powerful, explosions are clear and vibrant, enemy designs aren't stereotypical and all look imaginative. The AI and movements of allies and enemies is enhanced by the animation of their formations and movements. The marines have alot of different looks and alot of different accents (including American, Mexican, Spanish, Australian and many more) which makes the battles even more fresh as there's alot of different personalities and noticeably different characters fighting around you.
Just to quickly note the AI, if you've played the first Halo you'll know what to expect. Quality all the way throughout. Squads will flank, run around, throw grenades, avoid grenades, use things as shields, obey elite commands (and run when the commanding elite dies) and many more. Marines are never too annoying and their driving isn't too horrible in vehicles, good enough for you to shoot at least.
Overall, although the single player perhaps isn't what everyone hoped and yes, expected from the sequel to the mighty halo, the multiplayer easily vaults this into classic status. Bring on the third.
Graphics: 9.5/10 - Beautiful, clean and vibrant
Gameplay: 9.5/10 - Classic shooting action with twists on the weapon handling and vehicles
Replay: 9/10 - Single player is short and a bit unsatisfying, but multiplayer is incredible
Controls: 10/10 - Possibly the best console shooting controls ever
Conclusion: 9.5/10 - Bungie have never let me down, since their early days in Marathon and Myth. Their near perfect track record is only made stronger through the second chapter of the halo legacy.
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